What's in a Name?

What’s in a Name?

Your name says sooo much about you….

It let’s people get a little glimpse of your personality.

And I’ve always been really indecisive about my girls’ names….except Kara Jo’s (well, at least the Kara part). I’ve had that picked since I was in the 8^th grade (remember our 31 papers?). The Jo part was decided after she was born. Poor Allie wasn’t named until she was several hours old…and of course, this baby was no different! We waited until we were down to the minute we had to decide and submitted her name…… J

For those of you who don’t know me well….I like traditions. Well, actually, I LOVE them! (much to the annoyance of my hubby!)  I like the sentiment, the familiarity, the REASON behind things. I’m a sentimental traditionalist. Actually, I don’t think that is a real thing….but if it was, I would be one!

Probably because of this, I like to give my children a namesake…I think it is really cool that my girlies can have a special “bond” with someone because they share a name. And I think it’s an honor for that person…at least it would be for me. The people my children are named after are people I would like my children to model after….to me, it’s almost like a godparent. The person I name my kiddos after, I hope will have a special place in their lives.

Kara Jo is named after my momma, Karren and my sister, Kendra Jo (who got her name from my mom’s sister who died in childhood, Peggy Jo) and my SIL, Lisa Jo. I also had a sibling who lived only in our hearts, and mom always said her name would have been Kara. Allison Kristine (we call her Allie) is named after a little girl my hubby loved at church camp, and (more importantly) Allie was a McCray family name (Aaron's great grandfather, which is pretty cool). Kristine is after my sister Kristi. *Although it is funny, because Jo is more like my sister Kristi, and Allie is more like my sister Kendra!* I could insert lots of funny stories here, but I digress. Again. J

So for this little one, we wanted the name to mean something, and to connect her with both of our families….but we’ve been tossing around names for MONTHS and MONTHS. FOREVER & EVER. With NO decision…..sigh. I was frustrating even my indecisive self!

ANNNND, we HAD to have a name. No, seriously. HAD TO! The adoption agency said….and if there is one thing you want to do during an adoption….it is to do EXACTLY what they say….which is hard for me, because I truly don’t like it when people tell me what to do! Anywho, I digress….We were having a hard time picking a baby name, insert incessant details, still couldn’t pick one, blah blah blah.

OK. Sooooo, with one hour left we decided to gather round and everyone in the fam (me, Aaron and the girls) each put our favorite name on a piece of paper and draw out the cards and see what each person voted on. I told you we like traditions, and ceremony, and drama. LOL So we got our special bowl and a piece of paper and chatted names for a couple minutes, and then decided it was time to vote! We each put what we wanted the baby’s full name to be…..

Check out these intense faces, we meant business!

Kara Jo concentrating!

Allie hiding her answer....

You'll see why he's smiling in a minute....

Right before we pulled the names out, I said “Aaron, I can’t believe you’re playing along with our game! This is awesome!”   “Wait a minute….if you put I don’t care, or whatever you choose, or a silly name on there it is really going to hurt my feelings because I’ve put a lot of thought into this!” *Sheepish look from a 38 year old man as her reaches in the bowl, takes out his paper, and asks for another one* You are wanting to know what he wrote, aren’t you? Ok. I like to give the people what they want, so here you go:

 Soooo, once we were back on track, we pulled out the votes.

                  One by one.

                          As Allie would say ~ dramatic pause ~

                                                THEY WERE ALL THE SAME!

Pretty cool, huh??

So are you ready? Do you want to know our baby’s name?? The name that was meant to be from the very start? The name we all wanted, and just couldn't decide on? (lol)

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We can’t wait to introduce you to our new daughter….

Miss Kensley Lynn Xiao Chun McCray!!

KENsley is named after my daddy, Ken Rase….anyone who knows me well knows I am a daddy’s girl and tagged along after him on the farm any chance I would get. Even though I am “all grown up now” I still usually talk to my daddy almost every day. He is a constant reminder to me that hard work and determination pay off, and I’m pretty sure I get my stubborness…errr…. persistent nature from him. His favorite poem is called “Don’t Quit” and is about not giving up, no matter what the situation is. My little girl has had a rough life so far, and the many doctors I’ve had look at her file have all told me she is a fighter and is very lucky to be alive….my hope and prayer for little Miss Kensley is that she continues to take after her Papaw when the going gets tough.

Kensley also shares part of her name with her Uncle KC, or Kenneth Carl, and her Aunt Kendra. From KC, I hope Kensley inherits loyalty. You will not find a more loyal person than my brother. He would fight to the end for you, not matter the cost. And I hope Kensley is a loyal friend to the many people she will encounter throughout her life.

Kendra and Kensley will be great buddies I am sure, but the trait I pray the are similar with is compassion and patience. Kendra is very compassionate, and always willing to lend a helping hand…even to those who others think are beyond help. That is who Kendra wants to help the most. She is patient and loves people, and I hope and pray those are traits Miss Kensley learns from her Aunt Jo Jo.

Kensley’s middle name Lynn represents Mimi, Sherry Lynn Fineran McCray…..and all the ladies in the McCray family….(well, most of them! Sorry Holly! Lol). Sherry Lynn, Jennifer Lynn, Laura Lynn, & Samantha Lynn….all loving members of the McCray side….It represents a heritage of faith, a family of compassion, and a lineage of love. From Sherry and the McCray ladies I hope she inherits their faith and service to God, and their kindness and generosity towards others.

Xiao Chun is Kensley’s Chinese name, given to her by the ones who have cared for her for the past year. (Xiao is pronounced – we think!- See-yow) (like rhymes with meow). We wanted to keep it as a reminder of her heritage and a piece of her past. Xiao means “little”…she was under five pounds at birth! And, to me, also symbolizes the miracle of how young she will be when she joins our family (which is a whole different post). I am so grateful she did not have to wait longer to join us! Chun means “spring,” which could mean the season in which she was born….or it could mean water, which represents life & purity. I think both are very fitting. 

My little Xiao Chun. My little spring. I can’t wait to learn more about your first home when we come to bring you to your forever home….

Miss Kensley Lynn Xiao Chun McCray!